Roasted red peppers are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can add flavor, color, and nutrition to many dishes. While fresh red bell peppers are readily available in most grocery stores, finding pre-roasted red peppers can take a bit more searching. The good news is that yes, pre-roasted red peppers do come in jars and can be found in the canned or jarred vegetable aisle of many grocery stores.
Where to Find Jarred Roasted Red Peppers
Jarred roasted red peppers can be found in the canned vegetable section or pasta sauce aisle of most major supermarkets. Some common brands to look for include:
- Mezzetta
- Cento
- Roland
- Del Monte
- Hunt’s
They may also be found in the antipasto or olive bar sections in some stores. In addition to major supermarkets, jarred roasted red peppers can also be found at warehouse stores like Costco, specialty markets like Whole Foods or Sprouts, and online retailers like Amazon. When checking the pasta sauce aisle, look for jars of just roasted red peppers packed in water or olive oil – not pasta sauce with peppers mixed in.
Appearance and Packaging
Jarred roasted red peppers are most commonly packed in glass mason-style jars ranging from 12-28 oz. They are typically packed whole, sliced or diced. The peppers are fully cooked and soft with roasted, charred edges. They are packed either in water or olive oil, and may contain added ingredients like vinegar, salt, garlic or Italian seasonings depending on the brand.
| Brand | Packaging | Packing Liquid |
|---|---|---|
| Mezzetta | Glass jar | Water |
| Cento | Glass jar | Olive oil |
| Roland | Glass jar | Water, salt |
| Del Monte | Glass jar | Water |
As you can see, while the packaging and size may vary between brands, jarred roasted peppers universally come packed in glass jars filled with either water or oil after roasting.
Shelf Life and Storage
An unopened jar of roasted red peppers has a very long shelf life. The jars can be stored unopened at room temperature in a cool, dark pantry for 12-18 months. Once opened, it is best to store the peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 1 week after opening if refrigerated.
Properly stored, jarred roasted red peppers can be kept on hand for whenever that craving for their sweet, smoky flavor strikes!
How to Use Jarred Roasted Red Peppers
Roasted red peppers lend their flavor beautifully to a wide variety of dishes. Here are some delicious ways to use up a jar:
- Make homemade hummus or baba ganoush
- Toss into pasta, pizza or grain bowls
- Add to sandwiches and wraps
- Use in salad or as salad topping
- Blend into soups, sauces or dips
- Stuff with cheese, herbs and breadcrumbs
- Add to omelets, frittatas or quiche
- Top bruschetta
They also pair well with chicken, fish, beans, rice, eggs, cheese, basil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, tomatoes, onions, zucchini and more. Roasted peppers can be used either hot or cold in recipes.
Recipe Inspiration
Here are just a few recipe ideas that are complemented beautifully by the addition of jarred roasted red peppers:
- Roasted Red Pepper Hummus – Blend jarred peppers into hummus for a flavor and nutrition boost
- Roasted Red Pepper Flatbread – Top flatbread pizza crust with roasted peppers, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze
- Roasted Red Pepper Quinoa Salad – Toss quinoa with the peppers, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, fresh herbs and a red wine vinaigrette
- Pasta with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce – Puree peppers into a creamy sauce for pasta
- Roasted Red Pepper Tapenade – Combine peppers, olives, garlic and walnuts into a savory olive tapenade spread
As you can see, the options for enjoying roasted red peppers from a jar are nearly endless! They add a pop of flavor, color and nutrition to so many dishes.
Nutrition Information
In addition to their vibrant flavor, jarred roasted red peppers deliver an array of important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. According to the USDA, a 1/2 cup serving of roasted red peppers contains:
- 42 calories
- 8 grams carbohydrate
- 1 gram protein
- 0 grams fat
- 4% DV vitamin C
- 6% DV vitamin A
- 4% DV vitamin B6
- 4% DV potassium
They are also high in antioxidants like lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin. The nutrient profile does vary slightly depending on whether the peppers are packed in water or oil. Nonetheless, roasted red peppers make an excellent addition to any dish needing a boost of extra nutrition.
Cost Analysis
The cost for a jar of roasted red peppers can range anywhere from $3-$6 depending on the brand, size of the jar, and retailer where it is purchased. Here is a cost comparison of some popular options:
| Brand | Jar Size | Average Price |
|---|---|---|
| Del Monte | 12 oz | $3.29 |
| Mezzetta | 16 oz | $4.49 |
| Cento | 28 oz | $5.99 |
As you can see, on a per-ounce basis, the larger jars tend to provide the best value. Though more expensive upfront, they typically calculate to a lower per-ounce cost over time compared to smaller jars. Buying jarred roasted peppers at warehouse stores like Costco can also yield savings compared to traditional supermarkets. Nonetheless, regular pricing of $3 to $6 per jar is standard across most brands and retailers.
Pros and Cons
Here is a quick look at some of the advantages and potential disadvantages of buying jarred pre-roasted red peppers versus roasting them yourself from fresh:
Pros
- Saves prep time – no need to roast and peel peppers yourself
- Convenient and always ready to use from the pantry
- Long shelf life before and after opening
- Packaged in liquid to prevent oxidation
- Usually less expensive than buying fresh red peppers
Cons
- Lacks freshness and texture of homemade
- Contains added preservatives
- Higher sodium content if packed in salted water
- Uses more packaging compared to fresh
- Less variety and selection compared to fresh peppers
Overall, the time and convenience benefits often outweigh the downsides for many home cooks and recipes. But for ultimate freshness and control over ingredients, roasting your own red peppers may be preferable if you have the time available.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Are jarred roasted peppers already salted?
It depends on the variety. Some jars of roasted peppers are packed only in water and contain no added salt. However, some are packed in a salted water brine to help preserve them. Be sure to check the label ingredients and sodium content if limiting salt intake.
How are jarred roasted red peppers made?
Commercially produced jarred roasted red peppers begin with fresh red bell peppers. The peppers are roasted at a high heat, which caramelizes their natural sugars and imparts a sweet, smoky flavor. After roasting, the skins are removed and the peppers are packed into jars either whole, sliced or diced. They are then covered with water, vinegar, oil or salt water and sealed.
Are roasted red peppers better fresh or jarred?
Freshly home-roasted red peppers will almost always have superior flavor and texture compared to jarred. However, jarred roasted red peppers provide much more convenience while still delivering great flavor. For an easy weeknight dinner or recipe, jarred peppers are an excellent shortcut.
Can you freeze roasted red peppers?
Yes, you can freeze both homemade roasted red peppers or leftover jarred versions. To freeze, spread them in a single layer on a sheet pan and freeze until solid. Then transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers. Frozen roasted peppers will keep for 4-6 months.
What are the best recipes to use roasted red peppers in?
Some of the most popular ways to use up a jar of roasted peppers include pasta dishes, pizza, sandwiches, hummus, flatbreads, tapenades, frittatas, soup and salad. Roasting concentrates their sweet flavor that pairs perfectly in both sweet and savory recipes.
Conclusion
Jarred roasted red peppers provide home cooks with an easy way to incorporate the smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers into a variety of dishes. While not quite as fresh tasting as homemade, they still deliver great flavor and nutrition in the convenience of a jar that can be kept on hand in the pantry. Roasting red peppers yourself at home may provide superior quality. However, market-ready jarred roasted red peppers are a flavor-boosting shortcut worth keeping stocked for recipes like hummus, flatbreads, pasta sauces and antipasto platters when time is limited.